How to Detect Moisture-Loving Pests in Your Home

Homeowners with a moisture problem face a number of risks to their health and the value of their home, including mold and mildew, slippery surfaces, aesthetic concerns like peeling wallpaper and sagging floors, and yes… moisture-loving pests.

Water is essential for all life on earth, and moisture will attract a number of pests into your home. Some pests depend on water more heavily than others, and many pests’ need for water varies throughout the stages of their life cycle.

Some of the most common household pests attracted to moisture include:

• Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water and their larvae attach themselves to the surface of the water while they mature. This happens most often in still water outside can also happen inside the home if there is undisturbed standing water available. It only takes one mosquito to find the right water source to jump-start a mosquito infestation in your home.
• Termites: Termites are incredibly destructive, and cause billions of dollars’ worth of damage to homes each year. These wood-eating pests are frequently found inside homes’ walls, but can also build a colony under the house’s foundation and create mud tubes that allow them to travel back and forth between their colony and the home’s food and water sources.
• Ants are commonly found in kitchens where they find food crumbs, grease splatters, and ample water. Because ants have a waxy exoskeleton that repels water, they can even carry droplets of water back to their colony. However, this is rare because ants get most of their required moisture from food.
• Cockroaches are attracted to food, moisture, and warmth, and they can eat just about anything. Cockroaches are most frequently found in damp basements, bathrooms, and especially in kitchens, thanks to the abundance of food sources.
• Silverfish, like cockroaches, prefer dark, warm, moist environments, so you’re most likely to see them in bathrooms and basements. Because they love darkness and moisture, silverfish are known to hide out in sink and tub drains, while their love for warmth attracts them to laundry dryers. Silverfish are not solitary insects, so if you spot one, there are likely more nearby.
• Drain flies prefer the moist and dark areas that are found in pipes and garbage disposals. To prevent drain fly infestations, it’s important to maintain clean and well-functioning drains.

Do You Have a Moisture Problem in Your Home?

As you can see, the presence of water, combined with other factors and pests’ preferences, makes certain pests more likely to appear and remain in certain areas.

If you have a moisture problem in your home, the first step is to identify the source: Are there plumbing issues? Leaking appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers? Are the roof and windows sealed and secure? Sources of moisture must be repaired before moisture control measures can be put in place to prevent future moisture problems.

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry — we’re here to help.

The pest control professionals at Alexandria Pest Services understand how moisture control and pest control work together to keep you and your home safe and comfortable. We inspect your home to locate sources of moisture and advice you on how to eliminate and redirect moisture coming into your home.

Call in the Pros to Get Rid of Pests for Good!

If you find that you are having a problem with insects, rodents, termites, or other pests and need an exterminator in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., or Maryland, call Alexandria Pest Services at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office! Contact us today to learn more.